New Mexico’s Most Renowned Zoo, ABQ BioPark, Finally Reopened And We Can’t Wait To Visit
Looking for something to get you out of the house this week? As New Mexico slowly lifts stay-at-home orders, you can now start planning a trip to one of the state’s most popular zoos: the Albuquerque Biological Park.
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Also known as the ABQ BioPark, this is a one-stop-shop for recreational fun in Albuquerque with a zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, and a beach on the bosque.
For months, the BioPark was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 situation but just opened its doors to the public on August 12 as part of a phased reopening.
The zoo-going experience will be a little different from your last visit.
Guests are asked to stay on the Zoo Trek, a 1.3-mile path that guides them through various outdoor exhibits and habitats. Indoor areas are closed to the public and all guests will be required to practice social distancing while wearing face masks.
The Botanic Garden and its 1.5 miles of pathways have also reopened, so you can enjoy a stroll through the rose garden and Japanese garden.
This includes locations like the aquarium, the penguin and reptile habitats, and the BUGarium at the botanic garden. Additionally, shows, events, and feedings are also currently on hold.
It's not all sad news! Most areas of the BioPark reopened with new summer hours and the park is implementing additional reopening plans for later in the year.
The zoo will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Botanic Garden will be open the same days from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Meanwhile, Tingley Beach is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
The Albuquerque Biological Park is located in Albuquerque, just a short drive from the city's downtown area.
The park reopened to the public on August 12 and is open Tuesday through Sunday. You can find details about hours of operation, purchase tickets, and learn about specific safety measures by visiting the park’s website or Facebook page.
Phone: 505-768-2000 Address: 903 10th Street Southwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Website: City of Albuquerque Facebook: ABQ BioPark
If you’re looking for a classic spot for a quick bite to eat, you’ll definitely want to make a pit stop at the Dog House Drive-In. Located about a five-minute drive north of the park, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves tasty burgers, hot dogs, and more. Read about the restaurant and its menu in For The Best Hot Dogs In New Mexico, Go To Dog House Drive-In.
Address: 903 10th St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, USA
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Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
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